Traffic signals are crucial for the proper flow of traffic. Unless a police officer says otherwise, drivers should follow all signs and signals on the road. If a driver’s failure to obey traffic signals caused your accident, you might have a right to compensation.
Our car accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been helping injured clients for over 20 years. We fight for the compensation you deserve after another driver has been careless. Every year, numerous Atlanta residents suffer due to car mishaps, but our Atlanta car accident lawyers have consistently stepped in to ensure justice prevails. Our team is committed to holding the other side responsible for what you’ve suffered.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, contact us today. To get a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Holding Drivers Responsible for Disregarding Traffic Signals
All drivers have a legal duty to not act in a way that causes harm. That includes following all traffic signals and laws. If a driver ignores a signal and it leads to an accident, that driver is liable.
All car accident cases depend on negligence. Under Georgia Code § 51-1-2, negligence is a lack of ordinary care. To be eligible for compensation, you must show that the other driver was negligent in your accident.
If you were injured, you might have a personal injury claim. However, you’ll need to prove that:
- The other driver failed to obey traffic signals, which is a form of negligence
- The driver’s negligence led to your car accident
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident
Drivers who disobey a red light or other signals can receive a ticket. If this is the case with your accident, you can use the driver’s ticket to support your claim. Those who’ve faced such incidents in Atlanta often reach out to Atlanta personal injury lawyers like John Foy & Associates for guidance. Talk to a lawyer today about filing a claim.
Here’s how a lawyer can help after a failure to obey traffic signals accident:
- Investigating the details of your accident
- Identifying who was at fault for the crash (and their insurance)
- Interviewing witnesses
- Gathering evidence from the scene
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing medical records to determine your treatment costs
- Calculating all of your other damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company for the fairest settlement
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
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How Failing to Obey Traffic Signals Leads to Car Accidents
Drivers who disobey traffic signs and signals put everyone at risk. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can suffer injuries if an accident happens.
Many driver actions can lead to serious crashes, including:
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Drowsy driving
- Being in a hurry
Some drivers will run a red light after misjudging how much time they have. Even if the driver didn’t mean to run a light and cause an accident, they are still responsible.
Not obeying traffic signals can lead to T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, and more. These crashes can also happen at very high speeds, such as when a driver hits the gas to run through a red light.
You will need to know the conditions of how the other driver caused your accident. Thankfully, a car accident lawyer can help investigate the exact details of the accident.
How to Know If You Have a Personal Injury Claim
If another person’s negligence caused your accident, you probably have a claim. And not following traffic signals is a clear sign of negligence.
Personal injury claims can be complicated. You’ll need to gather evidence of the crash and calculate your damages. Plus, you will probably have to negotiate with the insurance company to get what you deserve.
The best way to understand your legal rights is by consulting with a lawyer. A car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates will look at your case details during a free consultation. To discuss your accident and compensation options for free, call (404) 400-4000 today.
Calculating Your Accident Damages
If the other driver caused your accident and injuries, they are responsible for your damages. Personal injury damages are any losses you have from the crash.
Before filing your insurance claim, make sure you understand your total damages. Your car accident lawyer can account for each one. Here are some of the most common damages you’ll probably have.
Medical Expenses
Car accidents can be incredibly expensive, even when injuries are minor. Your injuries can lead to costs like:
- Medical bills
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Surgeries
- Future medical treatment
It’s best to complete all treatment before bringing your legal case. Otherwise, you could settle your case while leaving money on the table.
Keep in mind that you must file your case within two years under Georgia Code § 9-3-33. If you might need treatment for several years, talk to your lawyer about estimating future costs.
Lost Wages
Your injuries will probably cause you to miss work time. Thankfully, you can claim any missed work time as lost wages.
If your injuries affect your future earning ability, you might also be able to account for that in your claim.
Vehicle Repairs
Car accidents can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in vehicle damage. In some cases, you’re left with a totaled car.
You can include any repair or replacement costs in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses are financial. You can also claim pain and suffering damages like:
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Calculating pain and suffering is complicated. But your lawyer will know how to put a dollar amount on your emotional suffering.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer Today
A simple failure to obey traffic signals can cause a serious accident. If you were the victim of this type of crash, you have rights. Our experienced attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help you.
We have over 20 years of experience helping car accident victims win what they deserve. Our lawyers are not afraid to handle the insurance companies and fight for the fullest compensation. We’ll build your claim while you focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. There is no fee unless we win you compensation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
